An important part of your home security is the neighborhood you live in. Getting to know your neighbors, no matter what you think of them, is important. This Tuesday, August 3rd, is National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual nationwide event supported by the Neighborhood Watch Program that encourages residents to get to know their neighbors and encourage teamwork to prevent crime in their neighborhoods. It's a great way to promote community-police partnerships and enjoy a Minnesota summer evening surrounded by people who want to keep their neighborhood safe.

Through Neighborhood Watch Programs, determined citizens are decreasing their chances of becoming victims. Alert homeowners in this program across the country are making things hard for potential criminals by:

• Arranging for home security inspections by crime prevention officers to identify security vulnerabilities
• Upgrading locks, security hardware, and lighting; and installing alarms when security inspections show particular hazards
• Training family members to keep valuables secure and to practice to keep doors locked whether anyone is at home or not
• Asking neighbors to watch for suspicious activity when the house is vacant
• Marking valuable property with an identifying number (Operation I.D.) to discourage theft and help law enforcement agencies identify and return lost or stolen property
• Encouraging home builders to use effective door and window locks and to provide outside lighting for all new home and apartment construction
• Organizing block parent and block WATCH groups to assist children, the elderly, and other especially vulnerable persons if they appear to be distressed, in danger, or lost
• Meeting in neighborhood groups with trained crime prevention officers to discuss needs and crime prevention strategies
• Developing neighborhood "fan" or telephone tree systems for quickly alerting each other about criminal activity in the area
• Arranging for ongoing programs where crime prevention experts can present home and neighborhood security tips at regularly scheduled meetings
• Obtaining and studying informative materials from the National Sheriffs' Association, the National Crime Prevention Council, and local agencies
• Identifying the area's participation with decals and metal road signs warning, "NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH – our neighbors are watching to report suspicious activity to our law enforcement agency

If you need more information on the National Night Out or the Neighborhood Watch Program, visit your local police department Website. And remember, get out on Tuesday and say hi to your neighbor and enjoy another one of our beautiful Minnesota summer night.